Dear Friends,  

The Lakefront Sculpture Exhibit has installed 20 new large-scale sculptures throughout the 43rd and 44th Wards.  I founded this program to present a new type of neighborhood beautification.  Brochures with information on all of the works will be available at my office beginning on June 7th.  If you are really interested in the sculptures or the program, please join us for the kick-off on Friday, June 4th at the Sedgwick Studios, 1544 N Sedgwick.

The Festival season is rapidly approaching.  June 11, 12  13 brings the return of the St. Michael's Fest, the Old Town Art Fair and the Wells Street Art Fest.  There is no better announcement of summer than the beginning of neighborhood festivals.  All of the festivals in our area serve to raise money for the local neighborhood organization who in turn support our cultural institutions, schools and help provide additional beautification programs.  

 Like so many others, I am happy to jump on the Chicago Blackhawks bandwagon.  ONE GOAL!!!

Vi  


Memorial Day

The Chicago parade is considered one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation.  Since 1870, Memorial Day parades have graced the streets of Chicago.  

We honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.  

Please note that all government offices will be closed on Monday, May 31st.  My office will also close on Friday, May 28th at 1PM for the holiday week-end.

More Events

Tuesday, June 8th, 6:30PM:  Lincoln Park Research Initiative/DePaul University   Write On…A Conversation with Lincoln Park Authors.  This free evening offers a reception at 6:30 at Cortelyou Commons, 2324 N Fremont.  The panel discussion begins at 7:00 with authors, bloggers and playwrights.  
RSVP by phone: 312/362-8100 or email to cgia@depaul.edu

Saturday, June 12th, 10am -3pm:  National Get Outdoors Day at Lincoln Park Zoo.  Join the USDA Forest Service, Lincoln Park Zoo, REI, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Fishin' Buddies, Chicago Wilderness and other like-minded organization with a fun and activity-filled day that celebrates the great outdoors!  Free! Cannon Drive at Fullerton Parkway.  

CAPS Beat Meetings

Thursday, May 27, 7PM:  Beat 1814 at Old Town Triangle, 1765 N North Park for residents east of Sedgwick/Clark and between North Avenue and Fullerton.

Wednesday, June 2nd, 6:30PM:  Beat 1821 at Near North Library, 330 W Division St.  for 43rd Ward residents between North and Division from Larrabee to LaSalle.

Tuesday, June 8th, , 6:30PM:  Beat 1822 at 1407 N Burling St.  for 43rd Ward residents from North Avenue to Division from Racine to Larrabee.

Wednesday, June 9th, 6:30PM:  Beat 1812 at St. Vincent dePaul Center, 2145 N Halsted for 43rd Ward residents between Fullerton and Armitage from Sheffield to Sedgwick/Clark.

     News Around the Ward

Gang Activity near North Avenue Beach

The past few nights we have seen a disturbing rash of gang activity around the North Avenue Beach and then through the neighborhood as the groups have been disbursed.  

Police Commander Angarone from the 18th District has assigned a large number of officers to keep the peace where groups are congregating.  Police are also patrolling the neighborhood and park areas to ensure the safety of all of the residents and park users.

Large groups of young people can be intimidating but their presence is not illegal.  When any activities take place that are criminal, the police have been quick to make arrests.  However, the fact that criminal acts are taking place as a result of these large gatherings is certainly cause for concern.  

This is a developing situation and I am in constant communication with the Chicago Police.  We are making every effort to make the lakefront and our adjoining neighborhoods as free of criminal activity as possible.  

 Lake Shore Drive Closed to Car Traffic

Sunday May 30th is the annual "Bike The Drive" event.  While the actual closure will take place from 5:00 AM - 10:30 AM, please be aware that cyclists will be traveling to and from the event for most of the day.  This annual event draws tens of thousands of cyclists.

This is a great opportunity to take a 15 or 30 mile bike ride on the incomparable Lake Shore Drive with no automobiles infringing on your viewing pleasure.  On-Line registration is available through Noon on May 29th at the Bike The Drive website.  

News for Single Family and Two Flat Owners  

The City has introduced MeterSave - a program to encourage Chicago homeowners to voluntarily install meters to monitor water usage.  Meters allow single family and two-flat home owners to pay for only the water actually used, encouraging efforts to save water and money while protecting one of our most precious natural resources.    

Water charges in non-metered homes are tied to factors such as building size, lot size and number of plumbing fixtures.  Metered homes are billed according to actual use.  

Non-metered homes who participate in MeterSave are eligible for the following:

A seven-year guarantee that the home water bill will be no higher than it would have if the meter had not been installed.  (Most homes are finding significant savings!)  

Choice of one of the following: a rain barrel,  water meter monitor, outdoor water conservation kit or an indoor conservation kit.

Another benefit is bi-monthly billing based solely upon usage.  Meters are installed with the automated meter reading technology that allows readings to be transmitted via wireless.  

Sign up at www.metersave.org, call 311 or call 312-744-4426.  Have your 12-digit account number ready.

    Looking for local musicians

The newly revamped Lincoln Park High School Farmers Market continues Saturdays from 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM until October 30th.  The new layout of the market puts vendors on the east half of the parking lot, allowing patrons to enter and park through the west entrance.  

Along with returning favorites, there are new vendors including Spencer Foods, Inc. who will be cooking brats on site!  The Lincoln Park High School Choir (one of the state's best) has performed in recent weeks.  We are looking for local musicians to serenade our community.  If you are available for a Saturday or two and would like to share your talent please send an email to Monica Garcia at the Mayor's Office of Special Events (monica.garcia@cityofchicago.org).  

Full Day Pre-School at Newberry Academy

Registration is now open for Full Day Tuition based Pre-school at the Newberry Math  Science Academy.  Applications are available in the school office (700 W Willow).  There are only a few spaces open.  For more information or to tour the school, please call 773/534-8000.